The 32 Essential St. Louis Restaurants

"If you want to enjoy truly great cocktails, ones you think about days or even years later, head to Planter’s House in Lafayette Square. The restaurant and bar, owned by Ted and Jamie Kilgore and Ted Charak, is a true celebration of the storied art of bartending (and a 2019 James Beard semi-finalist for best bar program). At the main bar downstairs, pair the Planter’s House burger, topped with manchego, pickled serrano relish, and spreadable chorizo with the Taco Cat: Milagro blanco tequila, Old El Paso taco seasoning-infused agave syrup, lime, and cilantro. Upstairs you’ll find the intimate Bullock Room, named for historic St. Louis bartender Tom Bullock, the first African American to publish a cocktail recipe book in America. Settle into the velvet-lined hideaway for a Down for the Count #2, a combination of Citadelle gin, Salers, Gran Classico, Cocchi Americano, celery bitters, and grapefruit tincture. Despite the exceptional cocktails, delicious food, and gorgeous decor, both bars radiate with warmth and laughter, and the mood is never dampened by elitist snots throwing around the term “mixologist.” Don’t miss the seasonal thematic cocktail menus, which have previously drawn inspiration from a local women’s roller derby team and Ms. Dolly Parton." - Holly Fann